Proposals for 300 houses in Burgh

More than 300 houses could also be built across four sites in Rutherglen, proposals in the Main Issues Report suggest.

One large plot at East Farm, off Cathkin Road, is being proposed for residential use.

The land - currently used for agriculture - has been parcelled up into three sites which could house 145, 121 and 24 units.

The proposals were put forward by developers in the second consultation of South Lanarkshire Council’s Main Issues Report - a key document in the preparation of the 2019 Local Development Plan.

A second proposal contained in the document also suggests Farm Castles Estate, previously used for industry, could be ripe for the building of 70 homes.

Together the Rutherglen proposals could see 360 new homes built in the centre and outskirts of the town.

Robert Brown, councillor for Rutherglen South, said:“I am unenthusiastic about these proposals.

“A growing population means there is a need for new housing but it is preferable if this is located on brownfield sites wherever possible.

“Like many local people, I am also concerned about further erosion of the green belt and of agricultural land around Rutherglen.

“These three sites are substantial, catering for about 300 houses in all. The only realistic access is onto Cathkin Road which is narrow, winding and overgrown with a difficult exit at the bottom.

“The report says‘access from Cathkin Road is achievable’which is hardly an overwhelming recommendation.

“I am not convinced that cars for 300 houses coming out on to an unsuitable country road is ideal. There are already safety issues at the junction with the Inchmurrin estate further up.

“The report points out that there are issues with services and, indeed, with school capacity - and everyone knows the amount of water that pours off the Cathkin Braes in winter.

“I think these sites will prove pretty controversial.”